Tag Archives: Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene Ashford AL 36312

How to Pick a Dental Hygienist School near Ashford Alabama

Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Ashford AL is an important initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to doing your due diligence than picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home. There are other significant issues to take into account as well, including the college’s reputation and accreditation. Your initial step is to decide which of the two specializations you are most interested in getting training for, which may depend on the amount of money and time that you are willing to invest. The most typical dental assistant program normally takes about one year to complete for a certificate or diploma. Meanwhile, dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, which can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. Obviously with the prolonged training of a dental hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the roles of both dental hygienists and assistants and the training options offered.

The Role of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the dental hygienist works more independently. As earlier discussed, the dental assistant works with and assists the practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the Ashford AL practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

Removing stains, tartar and plaque

Administering fluoride treatments

Applying sealants and polishing teeth

Teaching patients about oral care

Taking X-rays and developing film

Removing sutures and applying fillings

In order to be licensed in almost all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination as well as any state licensing examinations. After they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

The Duties of a Dental Assistant

Dental assistants are an important component of any Ashford AL dental office and can carry out a wide range of tasks. Their main job description is to provide support to the dentists and the administrative staff. Or simply put, to help keep the practice running successfully. Many dental assistants choose to specialize and earn certification in a particular area, for instance pediatrics. Even so the majority of assistants perform any duty that they are called upon to fulfill, including:

Setting and confirming appointments

Preparing patients for teeth treatments and cleanings

Preparing and sterilizing dental instruments

Using suction equipment to clear patients’ mouths

Handing instruments to dentists during procedures

Readying X-ray machines and processing X-rays

Ordering office and dental supplies

Licensing and certification requirements for dental assistants vary by state, so consult with the Alabama dental board for your state’s mandates. Assistants dealing with X-ray machines most likely will need to be certified and licensed. A large number of dental assistants who are either required or choose to become certified take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Dental Hygienist and Assistant Training Options

Dental assistant programs are offered at Ashford AL area junior colleges in addition to technical or vocational schools. The most frequent credential acquired is the certificate, which usually takes about a year to finish. There are less Associate Degree programs offered, and they furnish a more comprehensive education, including general subjects in addition to the dental assisting classes. Due to the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in dental practices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are also offered in Ashford AL area trade schools and community colleges. Whether you are interested in training as a dental assistant or hygienist, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Colleges

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college can be a good option for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Ashford AL home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.

What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools

When you have selected the dental specialization and kind of credential you would like to obtain, you can begin the procedure of comparing Alabama programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the Ashford AL area colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the Certified Dental Assistant exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Employers in Ashford AL often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited Alabama schools.

Is The Appropriate Dental Program Offered? You can decide to train to become a dental hygienist or a dental assistant, just make sure that the Alabama school you decide on offers the program that’s right for you. For the assistant program, the alternatives are to enroll in a certificate program or earn an Associate Degree. If you want to work as a hygienist, many Ashford AL dental offices require an Associate Degree in dental hygiene. More advanced degrees, although not common, are offered. However, bear in mind that just because a school has an excellent reputation as well as accreditation does not mean all of its programs do as well. For example, an accredited school may have a strong accredited dental assistant program, but could have a weaker or non-accredited hygienist program. So if you are solely interested in a dental hygiene degree, clearly it would not be the right school for you.

Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental schools have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the Ashford AL program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a regional dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a real Ashford AL dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygiene colleges need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Ashford AL dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the Alabama programs you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.

What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in Ashford AL.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental school, you must make sure that the hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near your Ashford AL home in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Why Did You Want to Be a Dental Hygienist?

When getting ready to interview for a Dental Hygiene position, it's important to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the questions that recruiters typically ask Dental Hygiene candidates is "What compelled you to decide on Hygiene as a profession?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not just the personal reasons you may have for becoming a Dental Hygienist, but additionally what characteristics and skills you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to Hygiene, as well as a certain number of general interview questions, so you must ready some strategies about how you want to respond to them. Given that there are numerous variables that go into choosing a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When formulating an answer, aim to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the strengths you possess that make you an outstanding Dental Hygienist and the perfiect choice for the position. Don't attempt to memorize a response, but jot down a few ideas and anecdotes that pertain to your own experiences and strengths. Reviewing sample answers can help you to prepare your own thoughts, and inspire ideas of what to include to enthuse the recruiter.

Enroll in the Ideal Dental Hygienist Program near Ashford AL

Picking the right dental hygienist program is essential if you want to take the CDA examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options offered to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs generally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training or credential you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the right choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Ashford AL.

A Bit About Ashford Alabama

Ashford, Alabama

Ashford is a town[4] in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town was incorporated in June 1891.[5] For most of its history, it was a center for naval stores production, pulpwood harvesting, and cotton agriculture. The population was 2,148 at the 2010 census,[6] up from 1,853 at the 2000 census.

Ashford is located slightly northeast of the center of Houston County at 31°11′3″N 85°14′7″W﻿ / ﻿31.18417°N 85.23528°W﻿ / 31.18417; -85.23528 (31.184032, -85.235286).[7]U.S. Route 84 passes through the southern part of the town, leading west 9 miles (14 km) to Dothan and southeast 24 miles (39 km) to Donalsonville, Georgia. The Chattahoochee River, which forms the Georgia state line, is 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Ashford on US 84.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.3 square miles (16.4 km2), of which 0.02 square miles (0.06 km2), or 0.34%, are water.[6]

Ashford's current mayor, Jonathon Grecu has tendered his resignation effective December 31, 2017. The city council consists of five members, who have 60 days to select new mayor. If the city council is unable to select one, the appointment goes to Governor for 30 days. If governor Ivey does not appoint the replacement at this time, then the special election is set by Probate Judge.

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